JANUARY 2015 into the future

DECEMBER 2014

Advent Day of Reflection: “Finding My Voice”

Sunday, December 14, 2014, 10 am-3 pm. DeCicé Hall and Marian Center Chapel, 1365 Northampton Street, Holyoke, MA. (Transportation will be arranged for registered Amherst students.) Description: Fr. Warren J. Savage and Mary Keator. Mass, Lunch, Prayer and Conference on Discipleship and the Lectionary Readings. Registration and fee: please register at http://www.decicehall.org/coming-events/register-for-an-event.html or via email at decice.hall@gmail.com. Students should use their college email address so rides can be arranged. Fee: registered students will receive full scholarships; non-college student adult registrants should bring the $35 fee in cash or check payable to Fr. Warren J. Savage on the Day of Reflection. The fee covers lunch and materials.

NOVEMBER 2014

November 2-8, 2014 - National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW) is an annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States dedicated to promote vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations. Visit http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/national-vocation-awareness-week.cfm

Thanksgiving Day Eucharist

November 27, 2014. 9:00 a.m., Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford, CT. Description: We welcome everyone to join the Passionist Community in the main chapel as we celebrate Mass the morning of Thanksgiving Day. All are welcome. No registration required. Free-will offering. Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Road - West Hartford, CT 06107-3119. Phone: 860.521.0440 Email: holyfamilyretreat@cpprov.org

Preaching Workshops with Fr. Warren J. Savage

November 8 and 22, 2014 - 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Join us at DeCice Hall at the Marian Center, 1365 Northampton Street, Holyoke MA Topics: November 8: Conversational Preaching; November 22: Preaching Gospel of Mark, Year B. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. $35.00 per workshop covers lunch and all materials. Register at http://www.decicehall.org/coming-events/register-for-an-event.html or via email at decice.hall@gmail.com or voicemail (413) 539-5924.

11th Step Centering Prayer Weekend

Begins Novermber 21 (see details below). Genesis Spiritual Life and Conference Center, Westfield MA. Description:“Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him…” Centering Prayer is a method for doing the 11th Step that improves our conscious contact with, and deepens our relationship to, our Higher Power, whether we call that Power God, Allah, Mother, another name, or no name. It is simply moving deep within oneself, in silence, saying nothing, asking for nothing, just being and allowing our Higher Power to be with us. Leaders: Sr. Madeleine Joy, SP, Sr. Elizabeth Oleksak, SP, Rev. William Sheehan, OMI. Madeleine Joy, SP, BSN, is a Chaplain at Farren Care Center in Turners Falls and Mercy Medical in Springfield, specializing in Cancer Care, Grief Support, Long-term Care with the Mentally Ill, and Drug and Alcohol Services. She is an experienced recovery reflection group facilitator. Elizabeth Oleksak, SP, foundress of Genesis, is an experienced retreat and spiritual director and Bio-Spiritual Focusing facilitator. She is also an eco-spirituality resource person. Rev. William Sheehan, OMI has broad experience in pastoral ministry as a pastor and in marriage counseling. He has led many Centering Prayer workshops and retreats across the country. Times/Registration: Begins with supper at 6:00pm on Friday and concludes with lunch at noon on Sunday. Fee: Resident with private room $285; Semi-private room $260; Commuter with meals $200; Commuter without meals $165. Deposit $100. Balance due ten days prior to start of program. Visit http://www.genesisspiritualcenter.org/events/calendar/11thstepcenteringp/

OCTOBER 2014

October is "Domestic Violence Awareness Month"

The Catholic Bishops of the United States affirmed their stance against domestic violence, and their support for victims of domestic violence, in their 2002 statement, When I Call for Help: A Pastoral Response to Domestic Violence Against Women, an updated version of their 1992 statement. The statement:

Addresses abused women, men who abuse, and pastors and pastoral staffs

October is "Respect Life Month"

(Okay, this is ON CAMPUS) Bernardo Rios ’13: A Journey in Faith -- La Paz-Amherst-Brighton-Westfield

Time/Location: Sunday, October 26. 6-8 pm. Chapin Hall Lounge. Description: Bernardo Rios ’13 answers questions about juggling life and faith at Amherst and discusses his decision to become a priest and his faith journey thus far. Come enjoy some yummy food and fellowship. All are welcome to come for all or part of the conversation as schedules permit. Sponsored by the Newman Catholic Club and the Catholic Community at Amherst College.

“The Life in the Spirit” Seminar - Sept into Oct, 2014

Description: Do you want to grow closer to the Lord? Do you want to fill the void in your life that only God can fill? Find the peace and joy that you have been searching for by finding new life in the Spirit. Join us for “The Life in the Spirit Seminar”. (Hartfordcharismatic.com posts: “The Life in the Spirit Seminar is commonly used by Catholic groups in the context of renewal in the Roman Catholic Church. It is an instrument for bringing people into a deeper experience of the work of the Holy Spirit. The Seminar offers the basic presentation of the Gospel and the basic teaching about what the Lord is willing to do for all who come to Him. The Life in the Spirit Seminar is available for everyone.”

“Praying Again for the First Time” Mini-Retreats with Virginia Collins-English - Sept. 18, 25 and Oct. 2, 2014.

Description: Each mini-retreat stands alone and has distinctive take-home resources. “This series of evening retreats, sponsored by the College of Our Lady of the Elms Institute for Theology and Pastoral Studies, is open to all, including people who may feel marginalized or disconnected from mainstream religion. All are invited in the spirit of Pope Francis, who offers us the model of the church as a field hospital, open to serve those who seek healing and wholenss and God.” – Virginia Collins English. Take time in a supportive, shared setting for: presentations on aspects of prayer; personal, private reflection; opportunity for discussion; closing prayer. Virginia Collins-English brings much to the table, including compassion, wisdom, and extensive experience and inquiry around spirituality. An Elms College alumna, Virginia graduated in 2003 with an MA in Applied Theology. Additional credentials include certification in spiritual direction and in giving directed retreats; and the C.A.G.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy, and the M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology. “These evenings are for all who desire to develop, renew, deepen, and widen their prayer relationships with God.” – Virginia Collins-English. Sponsored by the Elms College Institute for Theology and Pastoral Studies. www.elms.edu

Registration: Register for one, two, or three evenings. Free. Free-will donations will be gratefully accepted. Registration is open to the public. For any or all evenings, please reserve a seat in advance with Ann Schwein, ITPS at Elms College. Phone (413) 265-2575. Email schweina@elms.edu

“Campaign Non-Violence” Walk in Springfield – Sept. 21, 2014.

Date and Time: Sunday, September 21, 2014. 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Location: Gather at 2 pm. at Court Square. Walk up Sate Street to Mason Square (or join us along the route). Be at the Rebecca M. John School, 55 Catherine Street, at 3:30 p.m. Those unable to walk can go directly to Rebecca Johnson School for a gathering.

Description: “The national Campaign Nonviolence has three goals: to mainstream nonviolence and abolish war, to reduce the gap between rich and poor, and to stop environmental degradation. Its launch date in every American state is Sunday, Sept. 21. That day we walk in solidarity with the march for the environment at the United Nations. Wherever you are, watch. Listen. Participate.” Wear blue, the color of peace.

Information: call 732-4528 or 739-3278.

“The Poor: What did Jesus Preach? What does the Church Teach?” Presenter: Kenneth Himes, O.F.M. - Sept. 23, 2014.

Date and Time: Tuesday, September 23, 2014, 5:30 pm.

Location: Gasson Hall, Room 100, Chestnut Hill Campus, Boston College

Description: From the first century through today, the Christian community has wrestled with the realities of the poor among us. Be it material or spiritual, voluntary or involuntary, relative or absolute poverty, many have argued that to be human is to be poor. This lecture explores how compassion for the poor reflects an acceptance of our own humanity and that of others, and is ultimately a key element of our journey to know Christ.. Kenneth Himes, O.F.M., is associate professor of theology in the Boston College Theology Department. A Franciscan priest and moral theologian, he is the author of Christianity and the Political Order: Conflict, Cooptation, and Cooperation (Orbis Books, 2013), and Responses to 101 Questions on Catholic Social Teaching (Paulist Press, 2013). Sponsored by: Cosponsored by The Church in the 21st Century Center, the School of Theology and Ministry, and the Boston College Theology Department. Event URL: http://web.bc.edu/c21events/registration.php?event=2

Registration: Free of charge and open to the public (space limited). Please RSVP at www.bc.edu/c21events

Information: The Church in the 21st Century Center, 617-552-0470. Email: church21@bc.edu Parking & Directions: www.bc.edu/about/maps

Description: Encounter Jesus in a new way. Father Martin will offer fascinating details about the "historical Jesus," the real-life man who walked the earth in first-century Palestine, and will also invite you to meditate on the "Christ of faith," the one risen from the dead. As he does in his new book Jesus: A Pilgrimage, he will combines stories from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, the most up-to-date biblical study, and profound spiritual insights to help you answer the question that Jesus first posed to his disciples: "Who do you say that I am?" No registration. Seating will be first-come, first-served, with doors opening at 6:00 pm. Sponsored by: Cosponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry and The Church in the 21st Century Center Contact: Diane Dube, 617-552-6501. dubedi@bc.edu Event URL: http://www.bc.edu/content/bc/schools/stm/edevnts/events/2014/09-25-2014.html

Registration and Admission: Free of charge and open to the public. Limited Seating/Arrive Early. No RSVP required. Seating will be first-come, first-served, with doors opening at 6:00 pm. Parking & Directions: www.bc.edu/about/maps

Description: Catholics and people of all faiths from across the Diocese of Springfield and beyond are invited to attend the fourth annual Pink Mass. Newly-installed Springfield Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski will be the celebrant. The Pink Mass will be recorded and broadcast the following morning at 6 a.m. on WWLP-22NEWS as part of the weekly diocesan program “The Chalice of Salvation.” “A Celebration of Hope” Gala Dinner follows Mass. The funds raised from the dinner will be disbursed to four local cancer support charities.

Ticket information: Dinner tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. To purchase dinner tickets or to donate, contact Joyce Stavros at (413) 783-9810 or email Terence Hegarty at t.hegarty@diospringfield.org.

Description: Unity among Christians is both a gift and a task. As a gift, unity is given to us in Christ through our common baptism. But we have a certain responsibility in living it and making it visible to the world for more effective mission. We will look at how we Christians can mutually enrich each other’s lives and in concrete and practical ways to living our unity as followers of Jesus. And in our societal context of religious pluralism, we will also identify what challenge and inspiration the members of different world religions offer to one another for living more God-centered lives. The matrix we live in is exceedingly rich, offering much opportunity for growth in our own faith. Are our eyes, hearts and minds open to it? Fr. Thomas Ryan, CSP, is a member of the Paulist Fathers. He coordinates ecumenical and interreligious relations for the Paulist Community in the U.S. and Canada. An international retreat leader, he is author of numerous books, including Tales of Christian Unity: The Adventures of an Ecumenical Pilgrim and Disciplines for Christian Living: Interfaith Perspectives.

Icon Spirituality with Brother Michael Moran, CP – Oct. 19, 2014.

Description: In this afternoon program we will use an Icon of the Sweet Kiss, a type of Madonna and Child Icon called a “Tenderness Icon”, painted by Brother Michael, to discuss spirituality of icons. We will look at various technical aspects of icons – color, form, the process involved in painting – that underlie the spirituality of icons, and have an opportunity to pray and meditate on the icon. Brother Michael Moran, CP is a Passionist Brother and artist who teaches art to senior citizens, and preaches retreats throughout the country.

Registration: Fee: $30. Pre-registration is required. Please fill out the registration form at http://www.genesisspiritualcenter.org/events/calendar/iconspirituality/

Information: www.genesisspiritualcenter.org Tel: 413-562-3627.

"I was a stranger and you welcomed me": A Catholic Vision for Immigration Reform -- Episcopal Visitor Lecture -- Presenter: Most. Rev. Thomas Wenski, Archbishop of Miami and Chairman for the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development - Oct. 27, 2014.

Description: "Being a disciple means being constantly ready to bring the love of Jesus to others, and this can happen unexpectedly and in any place: on the street, in a city square, during work, on a journey." Fr. Warren J. Savage launches the workshop with this paragraph from "Joy of the Gospel". Fr. Warren J. Savage, Lecturer, Religious Studies Department, Our Lady of the Elms College, Chicopee, MA; Instructor, Diocesan Permanent Diaconate Formation Program, Catholic Chaplain, Westfield State University; and Member of Spiritual Directors International, Academy of Homiletics, and The Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality.

Registration: Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please complete the simple registration form at http://www.decicehall.org/coming-events/register-for-an-event.html or leave phone, email and event title at voicemail 413-539-5924 or email decice.hall@gmail.com. A $35 fee covers all materials and lunch. Registrants, please bring the fee (cash or check to Fr. Warren J. Savage) to the event.

Description: Engage in the new evangelization. Open to all; especially helpful for catechists and for deacons, priests and others who preach the Lectionary cycle. Lunch will be served. Fr. Warren J. Savage: Lecturer, Religious Studies Department, Our Lady of the Elms College, Chicopee, MA; Instructor, Diocesan Permanent Diaconate Formation Program, Catholic Chaplain, Westfield State University; and Member of Spiritual Directors International, Academy of Homiletics, and The Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality.

Registration: Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please complete the simple registration form at http://www.decicehall.org/coming-events/register-for-an-event.html or share your information (phone, email and event title) at voicemail 413-539-5924 or email decice.hall@gmail.com. A $35 fee covers all materials and lunch. Registrants, please bring the fee (cash or check to Fr. Warren J. Savage) to the event.

Description: Mass, lunch, prayer, conferences on Discipleship and the Lectionary Readings. Mass, lunch, conferences on the Lectionary Readings( including the Gospel of the day: John 1:6-8, 19-28), and quiet time in a peaceful setting. Mary Keator, Adjunct Lecturer, Religious Studies Department, Our Lady of the Elms College, Chicopee, MA; Instructor, English Department, Westfield State University, Westfield, MA, and Member of Spiritual Directors International and Contemplative Mind in Society. Fr. Warren J. Savage, Lecturer, Religious Studies Department, Our Lady of the Elms College, Chicopee, MA; Instructor, Diocesan Permanent Diaconate Formation Program; Catholic Chaplain, Westfield State University; Member of Spiritual Directors International, Academy of Homiletics, and The Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality.

Registration: College-student registrants will receive scholarships for the $35 fee. To register, visit the coming events page at http://www.decicehall.org Students, please register with your college email address. Thank you!Non-college student adult registrants should bring the $35 fee in cash or check payable to Fr. Warren J. Savage on the Day of Reflection. The fee covers lunch and materials.

Spring Recess Opening Weekend: Amherst Newman Club Retreat

SPRING BREAK 2014 Retreat with the Newman Catholic Club. WHAT/WHO: The Newman Club is sponsoring an off-campus retreat over the first weekend of Spring Recess 2014. Our retreat leaders will be Sr. Chris Clark, DHM and Fr. Warren Savage. WHERE: Our retreat site is Kennebunkport, Maine, at the St. Anthony Franciscan Friary and St. Anthony's Franciscan Monastery Estate. We will be participating in Mass and invited to meet with one or two of the friars while there. Visit http://www.framon.net/entrada.htm for photos and details. WHEN: We will carpool together from campus late Friday afternoon (4 or 5 pm.), enjoy dinner on the road, and settle in with prayer and song on Friday night. Our retreat on Saturday and Sunday will include conferences with Chris and Fr. Warren, time for rest and reflection, Mass on Saturday with the friars, one or two walks along the shoreline (weather permitting). We will carpool back to Amherst late Sunday afternoon. The retreat will culminate in Chapin Chapel with Mass and a blessing at 5 pm. on Sunday. HOW: Would you like to sign up and/or help us plan? Contact the Newman Club at newman@amherst.edu or contact Dresdiana Mavindidze at dmavindidze14@amherst.edu or in person at Sunday Mass.

11/12 "Defending Our Faith" Talks in Westfield

Father Brian McGrath, pastor of St. Mary Church, will lead a series of informal discussions entitled "Defending Our Faith," beginning on Tuesday, Nov. 12 from 7-8 p.m. at the St. Mary Parish Center, 86 Mechanic St. All are welcome. For more information, contact Joanne at 413-568-1127.

11/9 "Show Your Heart Concert in Springfield"

SHOW YOUR HEART CONCERT. The Sixth Annual Show Your Heart Concert will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at St. MIchael's Cathedral. Music will be performed by groups from the Pioneer Valley School for Performing Arts, Bath Path College, the Greater Westfield Choral Association and the Cathedral Choir of Boys and Adults. The concert will benefit the Open Pantry, a local agency that provides emergency food, housing and social services throughout the Pioneer Valley. The suggested donation is $10 for the general public and $5 for students and seniors.

11/3 Catholic Social Teaching - Mount Holyoke College

11/1-3. Rachel's Vineyard

RACHEL'S VINEYARD RETREAT. Stockbridge, MA: The next Rachel's Vineyard Retreat, for women and men who are hurting from an abortion experience, will be held Nov. 1-3 in Stockbridge. For more information or to register for a weekend, call 413-452-0661.

Sat. 9/14/13 "Pink" Mass, Springfield

Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell will be the celebrant of the Pink Mass, held annually for those battling cancer and all those who have passed away following their struggle with the illness. Catholics and people of all faiths from across the Diocese of Springfield and beyond are invited to attend. This third annual Pink Mass will be recorded and broadcast the following morning at 10 a.m. on WWLP-22NEWS as part of the weekly diocesan program “The Chalice of Salvation.” Mass begins at 5 pm.Following the Mass a “Celebration of Hope” gala dinner is to be held at 6 p.m.

9/20 7:30 pm. , 9/22 3 pm. Garden of Martyrs

See the Amherst College Press Release on the production. https://www.amherst.edu/news/news_releases/2013/09-2013 An excerpt: "The opera shows the last three days of the Daley/Halligan case through the eyes of Father Jean Cheverus, a prominent priest based in Boston whose own haunted past—as a refugee from the French Revolution—led him to aid the accused."

Where/ How Tickets Can be Purchased: Academy of Music Box Office Open Tuesday- Friday 3:00PM-6:00PM Call: 413-584-9032 ext.105 (Service fees will apply with purchase)Online Tickets Click on Show Desired:http://academyofmusictheatre.tix.com